Camping in Mankato, MN, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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Minnesota
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Mankato

98% (745 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mankato

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Lake Pepin

337 campgrounds

Lake Maria in late August, unbelievably green!

Lake Maria State Park

330 campgrounds

A quick snapshot my awesome friend, Kyle took of me admiring the scenery and waterfall.

Willow River State Park

Star Hosts in Mankato

97%

(65)

Mn River Valley Sanctuary

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Franklin, MN

Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.

field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land:You"ll camp right next to the Horse pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.

Happy Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blue Earth, MN

Learn more about this land:Start your morning with a perfect view of the sunrise (site 2), or a more shaded, sleep-in a bit (site 1) along with your favorite morning beverage. Take a walk on our country road or into town, approximately a mile and a half to restaurants, visitors center at the Jolly Green Giant Statue, hardware stores, Shell gas station & food mart or access to miles of paved trails around the town. Explore and have fun locating the dozens of "Little Sprouts" (baby Green Giants) around town. Very easy entrance and exit to Blue Earth, site is located at the intersection of Interstate 90 & HWY 169.

99%

(766)

Prairie Creek Forest Campground

7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN

Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-in campsites on 60 acres of forest or hilltop prairie along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock", a 60 acre county park featuring waterfalls and trails, including a single track mountain bike course. That's 120 acres of exploring outside your tent; this campground truly offers a large amount of remote forest for recreation right on site. Big Woods State Park is less than 2 miles away. Faribault is 8 miles and Northfield is 9 miles from our driveway; they offer dining, boutiques, and all other amenities. Nerstrand is 4.5 miles east and has a gas station and a fantastic meat market. Numerous Cannon River put-ins are within 10 miles. Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside site 4 is up a steep hill. Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. Sites are priced for one tent, please let us know if you need to have more than one tent. A map of the land is in the photos and shows locations of sites, parking and more. All Sites are Walk-In! We have a cart you may use to haul gear in. Site 1 is near the creek. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table. Site 2 is in the pines. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. Site 3 is by the creek. Approximately 300 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring, steel grill ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. Site 4 is on the hilltop. Site 4 has parking for 2 vehicles at the site. Steel fire ring with grill grate, stone fire ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. There is NOT room to park a trailer. This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Ted's parents bought this farm. Over the years, the arable land has been sold but we retained the wooded area which is crossed twice by a stream. About 20 years ago, a 60 acre county park was created to the south and west. The property is bordered on two sides by this county park. When Ted was in high school, the family sold the dairy cows and started a bare bones horseback riding ranch using trails in these woods as riding trails. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.

96%

(26)

Stadings Farm & Ranch

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Lake Crystal, MN

Enjoy a peaceful campsite along side a prairie lake in Southern MN, where towering oaks shade and fill the landscape. Walk through the woods and tall prairie grass. Sit by the lake with a campfire as you watch for Bald Eagles and Swans. I have paddle boats and canoe available to explore the lake or bring your kayak or paddle board. My farm is designed for RV's, Campers, any thing that is fairly self contained. Water and electricity are available for an additional $25 per day for both. There is a large...very large garden producing a lot, enjoy fresh lettuce, kale, Cucumbers etc and take some for the road. With a mile of lake shore, you can camp in secluded Grass fields, to Oak Savant's.

12 top campgrounds near Mankato

97%

(75)

Happy Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blue Earth, MN

Learn more about this land:Start your morning with a perfect view of the sunrise (site 2), or a more shaded, sleep-in a bit (site 1) along with your favorite morning beverage. Take a walk on our country road or into town, approximately a mile and a half to restaurants, visitors center at the Jolly Green Giant Statue, hardware stores, Shell gas station & food mart or access to miles of paved trails around the town. Explore and have fun locating the dozens of "Little Sprouts" (baby Green Giants) around town. Very easy entrance and exit to Blue Earth, site is located at the intersection of Interstate 90 & HWY 169.

field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land:You"ll camp right next to the Horse pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.

RadRo Farms at Hippie House

2 sites · RVsLakeville, MN

10 acre parcel with a 70’s split level house built by a former state representative. The land used to be a farm but is now mostly tall grasses and goldenrod. We have a large vegetable and berry garden and a large native flower garden. We have a chicken house and blankets of fireflies in the summer and beautiful sunsets that face the campsite. Sometimes it’s really quiet and sometimes you can hear the highway noise.

Champion Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Lakeville, MN

Champion Valley is a 150-acre outdoor adventure park in Lakeville, MN featuring ax-throwing, airsoft, paintball, escape rooms & archery tag. We are located 5 minutes off of Interstate 35W. It is situated on 150 acres of beautiful hills and waterways covered with thousands of trees.

Mn River Valley Sanctuary

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Franklin, MN

Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.

Stadings Farm & Ranch

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Lake Crystal, MN

Enjoy a peaceful campsite along side a prairie lake in Southern MN, where towering oaks shade and fill the landscape. Walk through the woods and tall prairie grass. Sit by the lake with a campfire as you watch for Bald Eagles and Swans. I have paddle boats and canoe available to explore the lake or bring your kayak or paddle board. My farm is designed for RV's, Campers, any thing that is fairly self contained. Water and electricity are available for an additional $25 per day for both. There is a large...very large garden producing a lot, enjoy fresh lettuce, kale, Cucumbers etc and take some for the road. With a mile of lake shore, you can camp in secluded Grass fields, to Oak Savant's.

100%

(1)

Tiger lake Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent250 acres · Norwood Young America, MN

### Welcome to Tiger Lake Ranch Campsite Discover the ultimate escape at Tiger Lake Ranch, located just 30 minutes from Minneapolis. Nestled near the serene Tiger Lake, our remote campsite is surrounded by majestic generational oak trees, offering a peaceful retreat far from any buildings or other campsites. Enjoy evenings around the fire pit, with natural logs providing cozy seating under a canopy of stars. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a nature-filled adventure, Tiger Lake Ranch is the perfect destination to unwind and reconnect with nature. 40 acres of our own and surrounded by hundreds of preserve acres and hunting. Book your stay and experience tranquility like never before!

100%

(10)

Private entrance Apple Orchard

1 site · RV3 acres · Shakopee, MN

Learn more about this land:Private entrance and parking for campers on the back sections of our 3.5 acre property. Grassy area near woods and amongst our apple trees. Fire pit for your use. Great location, just a mile off the freeway. Within walking distance to Bar & Grill and bowling alley. Within 10 minutes to all the local attractions, including: Valley Fair, Renaissance Festival, Mystic Lake Casino, Wilds Golf course, Stonebrooke Golf course, Canterbury Park, Lake O'dowd, Prior Lake, downtown Shakopee, downtown Chaska, downtown Jordan, as well as many shops, bars and restaurants.

Prairie Creek Forest Campground

7 sites · Tents60 acres · Nerstrand, MN

Pitch your tent at one of our Walk-in campsites on 60 acres of forest or hilltop prairie along Prairie Creek in Rice County, MN. Explore the creeks, trails, forest, our enormous granite "split rock", a 60 acre county park featuring waterfalls and trails, including a single track mountain bike course. That's 120 acres of exploring outside your tent; this campground truly offers a large amount of remote forest for recreation right on site. Big Woods State Park is less than 2 miles away. Faribault is 8 miles and Northfield is 9 miles from our driveway; they offer dining, boutiques, and all other amenities. Nerstrand is 4.5 miles east and has a gas station and a fantastic meat market. Numerous Cannon River put-ins are within 10 miles. Vehicles: Our main parking area by sites 1, 2, & 3 is easily accessible. The road to the secondary parking area beside site 4 is up a steep hill. Kids under 16 camping with their parents do not count in pricing. We do not have firewood available at the campground; please plan ahead to bring firewood with you. Sites are priced for one tent, please let us know if you need to have more than one tent. A map of the land is in the photos and shows locations of sites, parking and more. All Sites are Walk-In! We have a cart you may use to haul gear in. Site 1 is near the creek. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table. Site 2 is in the pines. Approximately 200 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring and grill grate, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. Site 3 is by the creek. Approximately 300 feet from main parking area. Steel fire ring, steel grill ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. Site 4 is on the hilltop. Site 4 has parking for 2 vehicles at the site. Steel fire ring with grill grate, stone fire ring, picnic table, this site has good hammock trees. There is NOT room to park a trailer. This campground is managed by Stephen and Molly on land owned by them and their father Ted. In 1961, Ted's parents bought this farm. Over the years, the arable land has been sold but we retained the wooded area which is crossed twice by a stream. About 20 years ago, a 60 acre county park was created to the south and west. The property is bordered on two sides by this county park. When Ted was in high school, the family sold the dairy cows and started a bare bones horseback riding ranch using trails in these woods as riding trails. We are very excited to host campers as a way to preserve and share this beautiful property.

100%

(17)

Walker's Ranch

1 site · Tent9 acres · Lakeville, MN

Learn more about this land: Come stay and make memories on the Walker ranch, you can't beat the scenery and location. Explore the Walker trail that leads to the creek and lounge in the woods in the hammock. Possibilities are endless!

100%

(11)

Cozy Lakeside Cottage Guestroom

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Jordan, MN

Spend some cozy downtime enjoying a fire and the peacefulness of a 4 acre lake property. You and your guest (or small-very small) group will be the only ones around as we don't rent to more than one booking at a time. Paddle on the paddleboard for free or rent the kayak for only $10 a day and explore the lake while getting some exercise. Take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed- all for less than a hotel room in the concrete jungle! **We do require a photo of a valid government ID from all members of your party. This is due within 24 hours of booking, or immediately after booking if it's a same day booking. Although we would love to share our property with you, note this is for liability purposes and is non-negotiable. When booking, please acknowledge that you have read this requirement and plan on complying with it. If not received within the specified time frame, your booking will be cancelled. Please text photos of these ID's to the number provided after booking. Thank you for being understanding. Learn more about this land: Cozy lakeside cottage that sleeps two, with level lawn space nearby that will fit two additional tents in your group. Dedicated private space is in lower level backyard with best view and access to dock*, lake and wildlife wetlands with boardwalk. You'll see the setting sun from the end of the dock and have a paver patio firepit with plenty of seating all to yourselves. Private 3/4 bath and comfortable TV room is 60 steps away in the house, and we are also offering a shared laundry for an additional charge. Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, and many other area lakes besides the 600 acre all sports lake that the property is located on are in the immediate area. For location purposes, we are located 3.5 miles S of the Prior Lake, MN McDonald's. The basic price of $80 per night includes up to two campers inside or outside of the cottage, but up to two additional campers and tents are able to added to the reservation for $20 per person/ per night. A limit of two persons inside of the cottage and four persons total are allowed per reservation. Please note that all persons on the reservation must submit a copy of their valid picture government ID to the host (via text) prior to arrival (but after booking), and sign a property liability waiver and upon check in. The host will discuss the procedure with you as HC supports pictures via real phone numbers accessed only after booking. Please ask prior to booking if you have any questions about this- this is a requirement of our short term rental insurance, and part of our self check in procedure. We are a 100% smoke and pet (all animals) free property. We also do not allow any events, parties or children. The minimum age of campers allowed to book here is 23 and if you are bringing your children with you, they must be 18 plus and also must sign all waivers and provide their ID's. This is a great place for a small, quiet gathering of your group with a private, clean bathroom and a lakefront location on a small acreage. However, it is for quiet getaways only, and is an owner occupied and monitored property. If you have any questions regarding this listing, feel free to message the host before booking. * The dock is removed towards the end of September every year. The lake can still be accessed until the end of October, there will just be no dock.

100%

(9)

Marks the Spot

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Amboy, MN

We live on a 10 acre property with many mature trees and a walking path cut through the middle. We do not have any farm animals but there are some in area so the normal farm smells blow through on occasion. We have a 7 hole disc golf course on the property. We have six 30 amp/110 electric hook ups and 2 water hook ups. There is plenty of room to play yard games. The historic Dodd Ford bridge just 3 miles away. The small town of Amboy is just 4 miles away. There is a Casey's gas station in town and a couple different dining options. The stars are amazing at night out here.

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(48)

field view campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Northfield, MN

Learn more about this land:You"ll camp right next to the Horse pasture and on our field drive with wonderful views and sunsets. The field is surrounded on three sides by Rice County Wilderness Park so it is very private and quiet.

97%

(65)

Mn River Valley Sanctuary

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Franklin, MN

Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.

98%

(21)

RadRo Farms at Hippie House

2 sites · RVsLakeville, MN

10 acre parcel with a 70’s split level house built by a former state representative. The land used to be a farm but is now mostly tall grasses and goldenrod. We have a large vegetable and berry garden and a large native flower garden. We have a chicken house and blankets of fireflies in the summer and beautiful sunsets that face the campsite. Sometimes it’s really quiet and sometimes you can hear the highway noise.

Champion Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Lakeville, MN

Champion Valley is a 150-acre outdoor adventure park in Lakeville, MN featuring ax-throwing, airsoft, paintball, escape rooms & archery tag. We are located 5 minutes off of Interstate 35W. It is situated on 150 acres of beautiful hills and waterways covered with thousands of trees.

Happy Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blue Earth, MN

Learn more about this land:Start your morning with a perfect view of the sunrise (site 2), or a more shaded, sleep-in a bit (site 1) along with your favorite morning beverage. Take a walk on our country road or into town, approximately a mile and a half to restaurants, visitors center at the Jolly Green Giant Statue, hardware stores, Shell gas station & food mart or access to miles of paved trails around the town. Explore and have fun locating the dozens of "Little Sprouts" (baby Green Giants) around town. Very easy entrance and exit to Blue Earth, site is located at the intersection of Interstate 90 & HWY 169.

Available this weekend

97%

(65)

Mn River Valley Sanctuary

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Franklin, MN

Welcome, we have a small flock of waterfowl and chickens and a herd of goats to interact with, volunteer some time in our organic garden, peer up into endless night skies or use us a s a base camp to go exploring the several county and state parks, Natural and Scientific areas, hiking trails and local communities. We are located about 5 miles from either Franklin or Fairfax and less than 20 minutes to Redwood Falls, Jackpot Junction and New Ulm.

RadRo Farms at Hippie House

2 sites · RVsLakeville, MN

10 acre parcel with a 70’s split level house built by a former state representative. The land used to be a farm but is now mostly tall grasses and goldenrod. We have a large vegetable and berry garden and a large native flower garden. We have a chicken house and blankets of fireflies in the summer and beautiful sunsets that face the campsite. Sometimes it’s really quiet and sometimes you can hear the highway noise.

Stadings Farm & Ranch

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Lake Crystal, MN

Enjoy a peaceful campsite along side a prairie lake in Southern MN, where towering oaks shade and fill the landscape. Walk through the woods and tall prairie grass. Sit by the lake with a campfire as you watch for Bald Eagles and Swans. I have paddle boats and canoe available to explore the lake or bring your kayak or paddle board. My farm is designed for RV's, Campers, any thing that is fairly self contained. Water and electricity are available for an additional $25 per day for both. There is a large...very large garden producing a lot, enjoy fresh lettuce, kale, Cucumbers etc and take some for the road. With a mile of lake shore, you can camp in secluded Grass fields, to Oak Savant's.

Happy Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Blue Earth, MN

Learn more about this land:Start your morning with a perfect view of the sunrise (site 2), or a more shaded, sleep-in a bit (site 1) along with your favorite morning beverage. Take a walk on our country road or into town, approximately a mile and a half to restaurants, visitors center at the Jolly Green Giant Statue, hardware stores, Shell gas station & food mart or access to miles of paved trails around the town. Explore and have fun locating the dozens of "Little Sprouts" (baby Green Giants) around town. Very easy entrance and exit to Blue Earth, site is located at the intersection of Interstate 90 & HWY 169.

Tiger lake Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent250 acres · Norwood Young America, MN

### Welcome to Tiger Lake Ranch Campsite Discover the ultimate escape at Tiger Lake Ranch, located just 30 minutes from Minneapolis. Nestled near the serene Tiger Lake, our remote campsite is surrounded by majestic generational oak trees, offering a peaceful retreat far from any buildings or other campsites. Enjoy evenings around the fire pit, with natural logs providing cozy seating under a canopy of stars. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a nature-filled adventure, Tiger Lake Ranch is the perfect destination to unwind and reconnect with nature. 40 acres of our own and surrounded by hundreds of preserve acres and hunting. Book your stay and experience tranquility like never before!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

80%

(5)

Minneopa State Park

North Mankato, Minnesota

100%

(1)

Sakatah Lake State Park

Waterville, Minnesota

100%

(2)

Fort Ridgely State Park

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Jordan, Minnesota

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Nerstrand, Minnesota

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Mankato guide

Overview

Roughly 1.5 hours from the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis, Mankato lets campers get a change of pace from city life. RV and tent sites are numerous at local Mankato campgrounds, which also typically feature restrooms, non-potable drinking water, individual fire rings, and picnic tables. Many Mankato campers spend their time exploring the sights at Minneopa State Park, just 10 minutes from town. Take a bike ride on the Red Jacket Trail, visit the historical Seppman Mill, and watch in awe as Minneopa Falls tumbles into a 40-foot gorge. The winter season brings tons of snow for cross-country ski trails, which circle the wild bison range—keep an eye out! Then stay the night at the park’s pet-friendly campground for tents and RVs. It has amenities like electric hookups, drinking water taps, water-fill stations for motorhomes, and a seasonal dump station. A rustic cabin rental is also on-site and available year-round—it shares the campground’s amenities.